Expansion Card Support Arm with Rotating Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Expansion cards, such as PCI-e cards, frequently disconnect from interface buses during shipping due to external forces, as they are not securely fastened to the computer housing.
Innovation Solution
An expansion card support device with a rotating arm and latch mechanism that secures the card in place, using springs to maintain the arm in a closed position and prevent disconnection from the interface bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If expansion cards are not secured by screws, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability of connection during shipping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to adapt to different expansion card positions and sizes. The arm can rotate between a first position for securing cards and a second position for accommodating different configurations, providing dynamic adjustment without requiring screws for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the housing and the expansion card. Instead of directly securing the card to the housing with screws, the support arm provides an intermediate support structure that holds the card in place, combining ease of installation with reliable connection during shipping.
2Reliability
If a support arm is added to secure expansion cards, then connection reliability during shipping is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is merged with the housing structure, sharing common components such as the rotation axis and mounting points. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the reliability benefit of having a support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm utilizes the weight of the expansion card itself to maintain engagement. The card's weight naturally presses it against the support arm, eliminating the need for additional springs, motors, or complex actuation mechanisms to maintain the securing position.
3Reliability
If the support arm is always in the open position to support cards, then connection reliability is improved, but it interferes with housing closure
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to change position based on operational requirements. It can rotate to a first position for supporting cards during shipping and to a second position for accommodating housing closure, providing adaptability without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm operates periodically, switching between two distinct states: the first position for card support during shipping and the second position for housing closure. This periodic switching allows the system to optimize for different functional requirements at different times without permanent compromise.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents expansion cards from disconnecting from interface buses during external forces, ensuring reliable connection and preventing damage during shipping.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion card support device further includes a first spring configured to rotate the arm from the closed position to the open position
Implementation Method 2
the second spring is a compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion card support device includes an arm configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position relative to an interior surface of a computer housing opposite from one or more interface buses. The arm is substantially parallel to the interior surface in the closed position and substantially perpendicular to the interior surface in the open position. The arm is sized so as to abut edges of one or more expansion cards retained in the one or more interface buses with the arm in the open position. The device further includes a first spring configured to rotate the arm from the closed position to the open position. The device further includes a latch configured to maintain the arm in the closed position with the latch in a latched state.